The Overdiagnosis Dilemma_ Are We Detecting Too Much in Gynecologic Oncology_

1. Here's the Web 2.0-style blog post for your website, gyneonco.com, as Dr. Buchun Mishra: The Overdiagnosis Dilemma: Are We Detecting Too Much in Gynecologic Oncology? In recent years, advances in imaging, screening, and genetic testing have revolutionized how we detect gynecologic cancers. But there’s a growing concern among specialists—are we sometimes detecting too much? As a gynecologic oncologist, I see patients who come in terri?ed by incidental ?ndings from routine scans or test results that may never become clinically signi?cant. While early detection is often lifesaving, we must balance it against the risk of overdiagnosis—the identi?cation of abnormalities that might never cause harm during a patient’s lifetime. What Is Overdiagnosis? Overdiagnosis happens when we detect conditions—like early-stage or slow-growing cervical, endometrial, or ovarian cancers—that may never progress, yet lead to aggressive treatment. This can include unnecessary surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation, exposing patients to physical, emotional, and ?nancial burdens. Common Scenarios in Gynecologic Oncology ● Incidental ovarian cysts found on ultrasounds done for unrelated reasons. ● HPV screenings flagging transient infections that resolve on their own. ● Endometrial hyperplasia picked up during fertility evaluations, often treated more aggressively than needed. These ?ndings often trigger anxiety and cascade into multiple tests, second opinions, or procedures—all in the name of caution, but not always in the interest of the patient’s overall well-being. Striking the Right Balance: Vigilance vs. Overtreatment As a clinician, I support early and precise diagnosis. But more importantly, I advocate for personalized care. Not every abnormality needs immediate treatment. What matters is risk strati?cation—understanding which patients bene?t from active intervention and which can safely be monitored. That’s where shared decision-making and a trusted specialist come in. My Role as Your Gynecologic Oncology Specialist

2. On my website, gyneonco.com, I regularly share insights on: ● When to treat vs. when to wait ● How to interpret your cancer screening reports ● Minimally invasive approaches, including robotic surgery, for con?rmed cases ● When a second opinion might save you from unnecessary intervention Every patient deserves a though?ul, informed, and individualized approach to care. Takeaway Early detection saves lives—but so does the wisdom to avoid overtreatment. If you’ve recently received a diagnosis or are unsure about what your test results really mean, don’t panic. You may not need aggressive treatment. But you do need expert guidance. ✅Book a Consultation If you're navigating a gynecologic concern or want a second opinion on a recent diagnosis, I welcome you to connect with me via www.gyneonco.com. ?Empower yourself with clarity, not fear. Would you like a shorter version for social sharing (e.g., Quora or LinkedIn) or a graphic header to accompany this post?